Sony issued a firmware update for the A700 DSLR. Improvements that comes by the new firmware includes noise-reduction 'off' option which has been criticised since day one, changes to bracketing, white balance and dynamic range optimization. Son's processing software has also been updated. Some of the users hve already downloaded and installed this firmware before the official announcement and reported improved High ISO image quality, even very close to Nikon D300 which shares the same sensor base with the A700. This is very good news for the A700 users who have been complaining about the high ISO performance of the A700. I would like to know if it is possible that the Intelligent Preview feature that is coming with the FF A900 can be implemented to the A700 by a new firmware, then that would be one hell of an update.

Click here for the Sony A700 Firmware Download Page

Improvements and solved issues:

• The choice to select auto exposure bracketing (single & continuous) with 3 shots in 2 EV steps has been added.
• The choice to turn [Off] the High ISO NR feature has been added.
• Improvement of the image quality in high ISO setting.
• Improvement of the auto white balance and D-Range Optimizer performance.
• Improvement of reliability for communication between camera body and vertical grip.

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